Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 14 / Trend/
The Azerbaijani Embassy in Turkey held events on Dec. 11-12 to commemorate national leader Heydar Aliyev, the embassy reported.
Prominent public figures from Turkey, politicians, MPs, academics, representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora, members of diplomatic missions accredited in Ankara and media representatives attended the ceremony at the embassy.
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz represented the country at the event.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey Faig Bagirov opened the ceremony and spoke about the national leader's merits for the Azerbaijani people.
Rector of Bilkent University Ali Dogramaci, former Parliamentary Speaker Ismet Sezgin and ruling party MP Keksal Toptan also spoke at the event. Ex-Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, a close personal friend of Aliyev's, made the closing speech.
A documentary was screened at the event about the life and work of the national leader. A memorial dinner was also organized.
Representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Turkey, Azerbaijanis studying in Turkey, military school cadets and embassy officials laid flowers at a monument to Aliyev in Ankara.
A memorial dinner was also organized at the Swiss Hotel. Prayers were read for Aliyev.
Aliyev passed away on Dec. 12, 2003.